RAPID CITY, SD – On Monday, July 7, the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office is expected to bring resolution to a tragic and long-standing case. Richard Hirth, one of the men accused in the 2015 murder of 22-year-old Jessica Rehfeld, is scheduled to enter a plea and be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. in Judge Linngren’s courtroom at the Pennington County Courthouse.
This moment comes more than a decade after Jessica’s death and marks the final chapter in a case that has deeply impacted her family, our community, and the many law enforcement officers and prosecutors who have pursued justice on her behalf.
The hearing is scheduled for the full day, though it may conclude by midday. Members of the media will have designated seating; please check in with Pennington County Public Information Officer Katy Urban upon arrival. Immediately following the hearing, the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference on the front steps of the Public Safety Building. State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel will be joined by members of Jessica’s family and the law enforcement professionals who worked tirelessly to solve this case and bring those responsible to justice.
Timeline of Key Events in the Case of Jessica Rehfeld
* May 12, 2015 – Jessica Rehfeld files for a protection order against her ex-boyfriend, Jonathon Klinetobe, citing fear for her safety.
* May 18, 2015 – Jessica leaves the home of her then-boyfriend with two men later identified as Richard Hirth and David Schneider. She is never seen again.
* May 22, 2015 – Jessica is reported missing by family and friends.
* May 23, 2015 – RCPD issues a press release stating Jessica may be endangered and was last seen with two unknown men near 3408 Hemlock Street.
* May 24, 2015 – A follow-up release suggests Jessica may not be in immediate danger and is believed to still be in Rapid City.
* May 13, 2016 – A witness comes forward to police in Newcastle, Wyoming, with information about the location of Jessica’s body. Authorities are led to a burial site near Rockerville, SD, where Jessica is found.
* Investigation reveals:
* Klinetobe hired Hirth and Schneider to kill Jessica, agreeing to pay them $80,000.
* Hirth stabbed Jessica five times while in Schneider’s vehicle.
* Klinetobe joined the two men in burying her body.
* Later, he hired Michael Frye and Garland Brown to rebury her in a deeper grave.
* Case outcomes:
* Jonathon Klinetobe was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
* David Schneider received a 75-year sentence, with eligibility for parole after 35 years.
* Michael Frye and Garland Brown pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and were sentenced to five years each.
* Richard Hirth has faced three scheduled trial dates, all of which were postponed or canceled due to a series of complications.
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After years of delay, heartbreak, and perseverance, the July 7 hearing may finally bring closure to Jessica’s loved ones and all those who have fought for justice in her name. While nothing can undo the pain of her loss, this long-awaited moment represents a final step toward peace, and the end of a deeply painful chapter.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
Katy Urban
Public Information Officer
Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office
Katy.Urban@pennco.org
